Checking - APRILIA Atlantic 500 Workshop Manual

Routine maintenance operations
WARNING
The brakes are the parts that guarantee the most
safety and therefore, they must always be kept in
perfect working order.
Always check the brakes before using the vehicle.
A dirty disc will soil pads, which will lead to a
reduction in braking efficiency. Dirty pads must be
replaced, while a dirty disc must be cleaned using
a high-quality degreaser.
Brake fluid must be replaced every two years.
NOTE
This vehicle is fitted with front and rear disc
brakes, with separate hydraulic systems.
The following information refers to a single brake
system but is valid for both systems.
As the pads wear out, the brake fluid level in the tank
falls to automatically compensates for their wear.
The brake fluid tanks are located beneath the handle-
bar cover, close to the brake lever couplings.
Check the level of brake fluid in the tanks on a regular
basis, see (CHECKING) as well as the wear of the
pads, see (CHECKING WEAR OF THE BRAKE
PADS).
WARNING
Do not use the vehicle if any liquid is leaking from
the brake system.

CHECKING

To check the level:
NOTE
Place the vehicle on a firm, flat surface.
• Place the vehicle on the center stand.
• Turn the handlebar so that the fluid in the brake
fluid tank is parallel to the "MIN" mark on the glass
gauge (1).
• Check that the fluid in the tank is over the "MIN"
mark on the glass gauge (1).
MIN = minimum level.
If the fluid does not reach the "MIN" mark:
CAUTION
As the pads wear out, the brake fluid level falls
progressively.
• Check the wear of the brake pads, (CHECKING
WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS) and the disc.
CAUTION
Check the efficiency of the brake system.
In the event of excessive brake lever stroke or
reduced brake system efficiency, it may be neces-
sary to bleed air from the system.
chap. 2
Release 00 2002-09
Atlantic 500
2
1
2-17